How to Save a Dying Tree

Do you suspect that a tree on your property may be dying? Many potential issues can impact tree health, including problems with insects and diseases. With that said, don’t give up on your trees before having them examined by a Certified Arborist. Call TLC today to schedule an appointment, and we’ll come out to investigate the situation and offer our expert advice. 

Although saving a dying tree is best left to a trained professional, the article below will offer some basic insight into how to save a dying tree and what factors determine whether a tree can be saved. 

Notice a Problem

Nothing can be done to save a dying tree if no one notices that it is dying in the first place, so it is important to pay attention to your trees’ ongoing health and condition. You don’t have to be an arborist to make a difference here – if you notice signs of a problem early on, more options will be available to save a given tree. 

One of the easiest ways to tell that a tree is in distress is by noticing a lack of leaves or leaves that don’t look as healthy as they did before. Also, the bark might have problems, or the tree may even lean or slump to one side. Make it a point to periodically take a close look at all of the trees on your property so you can notice issues shortly after they develop. 

A Proper Diagnosis

Just like any kind of care for a living thing, a clear diagnosis of the problem will be required to move forward. This is where partnering with an arborist will make a big difference. Only a knowledgeable professional can diagnose the matter with any degree of confidence. 

Make the Necessary Adjustments

A diagnosis is critical because it will inform what changes will come next. If your arborist determines that the tree is not already dead and has a chance to get better, you can follow their advice and give the tree the care it needs. Some of the possibilities include the following –

• Adjusted watering. It’s easy to assume that an unhealthy tree needs more water, but sometimes watering can turn into too much of a good thing. Finding the right balance is essential to nurse the tree back to health. 
• Correct pruning. Cutting back a tree can allow the needed nutrients and water to focus on the parts of the tree that are still healthy. As with watering, you can go too far in this area. Your arborist can either do the pruning work for you or advise on how it should be done. 
• Fertilizer may be used. Just as with plants in your garden, your trees might benefit from the use of some fertilizer. You’ll certainly want to do this under the guidance of a professional to ensure you get it right and don’t create problems for other things living on your land. 
• Mulch may help. Another way to get a tree the nutrients it needs is to utilize a mulching strategy. Mulching correctly will help the soil remain moist and retain valuable nutrients. If applying some mulch helps the roots get healthier, the whole tree will likely enjoy a boost at the same time. 

How to Save a Dying Tree

Sadly, like all living things, trees do reach the end of their lives at some point. That doesn’t mean the trees on your property that appear to be dying have gotten to that point, however, so it’s important to turn to the Certified Arborists here at TLC to address the situation and chart an appropriate course of action. Contact us today for help.